Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration, accounting for approximately 85–90% of all cases. During an eye exam, patients with Dry AMD typically show small yellow deposits between the layers of the retina called drusen, which are considered an early hallmark of the disease.

An easy way to understand macular degeneration is to imagine the lower layers of the retina functioning like a recycling plant. In a healthy eye, waste byproducts from the retina are continuously processed and cleared away. In Dry AMD, this recycling system becomes inefficient or fails, allowing waste, drusen, to build up. Over time, the accumulation of these deposits disrupts retinal function and contributes to a gradual decline in central vision.

Dry AMD progresses slowly and often results in a dimming or blurring of central vision. Patients in the early stages may notice difficulty reading, reduced night vision, or mild distortion. As the disease advances, it may lead to a condition called Geographic Atrophy (GA), an advanced form of Dry AMD characterized by the irreversible loss of retinal cells. GA can cause permanent blind spots (scotomas) in the center of the visual field, significantly affecting day-to-day activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.